Powdery substance discovered at Dedham Library

Wednesday

Feb 27, 2019 at 12:01 AM

Police Chief Michael d'Entremont and Fire Chief William Spillane report that a Tier One hazardous materials response was declared Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Dedham Public Library after the discovery of a white powdery substance, believed to be narcotics.

Editor's Note: The following was provided by the Dedham Police and Fire departments.

Police Chief Michael d’Entremont and Fire Chief William Spillane report that a Tier One hazardous materials response was declared Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Dedham Public Library after the discovery of a white powdery substance, believed to be narcotics.

Dedham Police responded to the library, 43 Church St., at 3:15 p.m. for a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, officers were informed that a woman had gone into the restroom and not come out for some time. When staff went to check the restroom, the woman ran out of the building, and a white powdery substance was left behind.

The Dedham Fire Department responded to the scene, and a hazmat incident was declared out of an abundance of caution. This sent state and municipal resources into Dedham to provide specialized assistance.

Minutes later, officers reported that stopped a vehicle on Church Street near the police station driven by a woman matching the description of the individual seen at the library. More white powder was observed in the vehicle and on the driver. The substance was field tested and believed to be heroin or Fentanyl or some combination of opioids.

The driver, a 28-year-old Westwood woman, was taken into custody.

According to d'Entremont via email on Wednesday morning, "The individual was not arrested; a complaint application will be submitted to Dedham District Court. The process will then be undertaken by the court."

A criminal complaint will be sought for her this week, charging her with:

possession of a Class A substance

operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license

providing a false name to law enforcement

The white powder on the suspect and in the vehicle field tested positive for Fentanyl, but the powder in the library field tested negative. Additional tests will be performed on all the evidence collected.

The incident remains under investigation by the Dedham Police Department. The suspect will be arraigned at Dedham District Court at a later date.

No one was injured.

These are allegations; all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.